01.01.2025 07:10

The war with Gaza and Lebanon has been costly for Israel


Israel's military conflict with Gaza and Lebanon in 2023–2024 had a serious impact on the country's economy, demographic situation, and political stability. While Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's statements on the results of the war were full of high praise, the true consequences of the events, including the losses incurred, require serious analysis.

According to the Israeli Ministry of Interior, 600,000 people left the country in 2024. This is considered the largest demographic loss since 1948. Those who emigrated abroad were mainly highly qualified specialists, scientists, and entrepreneurs, which seriously damaged the country's intellectual potential.

According to the Jerusalem Post and Haaretz, Canada has granted temporary work visas to 8,000 Israelis since the start of the war, five times the number last year. According to Israeli historian Ilan Pappe, the total number of people who have left the country is close to 700,000.

In addition, 143,000 people were evacuated from the southern and northern regions due to the war. The evacuees mainly live in the areas bordering Gaza and Lebanon.

The Israeli Ministry of Finance estimated the total economic damage from the war at 106.2 billion shekels ($29.1 billion). This amount is expected to reach 250 billion shekels ($70 billion) by 2025. The tourism industry has also suffered significant losses, with revenues falling by 18.7 billion shekels.

Agriculture was also damaged during the war: 55,000 acres of land and forests were destroyed.

According to the Israeli Defense Ministry, in the October 7, 2023 attack, Israel lost 1,163 civilians, 1,941 were injured, 360 of them in serious condition. In the fighting in Gaza, 384 soldiers were killed and 5,477 were wounded. In the fighting on the Lebanese border, 131 people were killed.

The Israeli Air Force also needed to renew its equipment. As the aircraft's service life expired, the country needed to purchase new military aircraft.

Experts believe that the war has had a serious impact on the country's political stability. Young professionals and scientists are choosing to emigrate abroad. Canada, the United States, and Eastern European countries have become one of the main destinations.